Believe it or not, the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter just called a halt to its new adoption promotion: black dogs and cats for $25.

County spokeswoman Connie Watson said she got a call from a local reporter, saying the NAACP had a problem with the promotion. Did she have a comment? Poof. The promotion was gone. In a hastily written press release, Watson said the decision was due to “unanticipated controversy” and that the promotion was over before it began.

Yes, reduced prices for black cats and dogs offended people.

“We apologize if our promotion to reduce fees on black dogs and cats offended anyone,” said shelter director Cheryl Schneider. “The shelter has many black dogs and cats right now that need to find good homes. We did not anticipate this response. Spring and early summer always are a busy time for us.”

This article appears in June 6 • 2008.

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